Bat numbers in the UK have declined dramatically over the last century. While some species have started to show signs of recovery in recent years, bats still face many threats to their survival so it is vitally important to monitor how our bat populations are faring. You can help to monitor the UK’s bats by taking part in one or more of our surveys and observing these fascinating mammals in your local area
Scope:
Bats
Taxonomy:
Terrestrial and Coastal Mammal
Habitat:
Farmland, Grassland, Heathland, Towns and Gardens, Plantation and Orchard, Wetland, streams and rivers and Woodland
Country:
UK wide
Region:
UK wide
Organisations:
The National Bat Monitoring Programme is run by the Bat Conservation Trust, in partnership with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, and supported and steered by Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, and Scottish Natural Heritage. The NBMP is indebted to all volunteers who contribute data to the programme.
Bat Conservation Ireland contributes Northern Ireland bat records collated by the Irish Bat Monitoring Programme. Data are shared on the NBN Gateway.
Funding body:
The Irish Bat Monitoring Programme is funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
Contact emails:
How to take part:
Sightings can be submitted all year
How to get involved
You can help to monitor the UK’s bats by taking part in one or more of our surveys and observing these fascinating mammals in your local area. Anyone can take part, from beginners to experts. So find a survey to suit you, sign up today and enjoy being part of the National Bat Monitoring Programme volunteer team.